Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and/or vomiting occur as the result of the stimulation of the brain by many things, such as smells, poisons or motion.
What to look for:
- A change in eating habits
- A certain time of day when the problem occurs
- Anything that tends to make one feel sick
- A change in a medication
What to do:
- Avoid fried foods, dairy products and acids, such as fruit juices or vinegar salad dressings
- Eat foods such as dry toast, crackers, peppermint, spearmint, yogurt and salty foods
- Go outside or let fresh air into the house if possible
- Avoid unpleasant or strong odors
- Rinse mouth frequently
- Wear loosely fitting clothes
- If a certain medicine seems to make the patient feel sick, make sure he or she is taking it as the label instructs. Try taking it with food (dry bread or saltines) unless the instructions state to take on an empty stomach
- If nausea occurs between meals, then eat frequent, small meals
- Eat highest protein and calorie foods at the time when feeling less nauseated
When to call hospice:
- If there is blood or “coffee ground” looking material in the vomit
- If there is vomiting more than three times an hour for more than three hours
- If the vomit shoots out for a distance
- If the patient is unable to take medications
- If the patient might have choked on some of the vomited material
- If the patient becomes very weak and dizzy
- If severe stomach pain happens while vomiting